Programs

VISUAL ARTS

Exhibitions

EMERGE, Gen Art SF’s Annual Juried Exhibition
Date: July, 2003

Gen Art SF’s Emerge, an all-media juried exhibition, is the cornerstone of its efforts to increase exposure for emerging Bay Area artists and to cultivate a new generation of art enthusiasts. Emerge 2003 will be Gen Art SF’s 6th annual juried exhibition, showcasing the most talented, emerging Bay Area artists working in the fields of photography, painting, sculpture, mixed-media installation and video.

These exhibitions consistently transform the traditional ways in which the visual arts are presented and experienced, especially with respect to newer art mediums. An Emerge 2002 reviews says “Bring your own oxygen mask to ‘Emerge,’ because the show may leave you hyperventilating…The artists selected for this show stay refreshingly close to their own visions, and invite us along for the ride.” [Click here for more press about Emerge.]

Bay Area art critics, curators, artists, and collectors form the committee that curates this group show from hundreds of artist submissions. EMERGE 2002 Curators included Arnold J. Kemp, Visual Arts Curator, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts; James Bewley, Program Director, New Langton Arts; Heather Marx, Owner, Heather Marx Gallery; and Stephanie Syjuco, Artist.

NewFangle is Gen Art SF’s annual exhibition of the Bay Area’s most talented emerging new-media artists. In its 5th year, NewFangle continues to serve as a unique pulse-keeper for New Media art while exploring issues of presentation, collection, and collaboration. 2002 Curators include Ken Goldberg, Lisa Jevbratt, Amy Franceschini, and Michael Grey.

“NewFangle is a very important endeavor on Gen Art SF’s part,” said Benjamin Weil, curator of media arts at SFMOMA and NewFangle 2001 curator. “There is no other project like it in the Bay Area.” [Click here for more press about NewFangle.]

Admission: $10 for opening night; free during gallery hours

Artist Workshops

While art-making is an exciting, creative lifestyle, the occupation of artist requires business and marketing savvy. In this program, respected local artists and gallerists address the broader social and economic challenges associated with being a Bay Area artist, while presenting strategies for excelling at the business of art. Topics for artists include professional development, funding and community resources, the legal and financial obligations of self-employment, building gallery and collector relationships, and others.

Admission: $10 general; $5 for Gen Art SF Artist Registry members.

Peer Critiques

Dates: Last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 to 9:30p.m
Location: Southern Exposure at Project Artaud, 401 Alabama Street at 17th Street, San Francisco

Gen Art SF’s popular ongoing series of Peer Critiques provide an informal setting for artists to bring their work out of their studios for feedback, criticism and encouragement from their peers. Space is limited to the first four artists who register, although other artists and art enthusiasts are invited to attend and need not register. These lively gatherings are free for the artists and audience members.

Collecting Forums

Collecting Forums demystify the world of art collecting, informing arts enthusiasts about building relationships with artists and dealers, venues that showcase emerging artists and caring for artwork. Aspiring and seasoned collectors will learn from a distinguished panel of gallerists, art dealers and collectors in a dynamic discussion about topics such as “why collect art?,” “how to start a collection,” and “where to find affordable art.”

“I can honestly say that Gen Art was the catalyst for turning me into an art collector. I attended several events (with purely social intentions!) and found myself drawn to much of the exhibited work. There was something about the tone of the communications I frequently receive from Gen Art and the energy of the events that finally got to me. And I realized that owning art that I love wasn’t out of my reach. I finally decided to make my first purchase after a Gen Art reception and it felt great! Not just because my home will now be more vibrant, but also because I know that my purchase honors and encourages the artist. I’m still no expert on art, but Gen Art helped me realize that I don’t have to be.” Jennie Winton, 37

Admission: $10 general, $5 students and artists. Admission includes a complimentary copy of Gen Art SF’s Guide to Collecting Art. A reception follows the discussion.

Panel Discussions

Panel discussions feature curators, collectors and artists in a discussion of the economic and cultural shifts currently affecting the creation, presentation, and interpretation of contemporary visual art. A recent panel discussion was held in at the Berkeley Art Museum, entitled “New Forum: New Media, New Economies, New Cultures.” 2002-2003 Panel Discussions include those planned in conjunction with the Commonwealth Club of California, the Oakland Museum and the SFMOMA, and will address topics such as the state of the arts, film and fashion in the Bay Area, amongst others.